The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1887-12-24
DEDICATION AT WOODLAND.

Last Sunday, Dec. Is, was another red
letter day for Universalism in Chicago
and vicinity. 1t witnessed the dedica-
ton of the new chapel at Woodlawn Park
and the payment of the entire indebted,
ness on the building leaving only the
lot to be paid for hereafter, one consider
able instsllment of the purchase money
having been also paid on that.
Some two years ago it was deemed a
good idea by a few residents of Wood
lawn Park to organize a Oniversalist
church. The movement was started and
at once received encouragement. Ser
vices we're held regularly each Sunday in
the Episcopal chapel. Different minis
ters filled the pulpit each week. Two
months ago a church organic ton was
effected and a move ment organized to
start building fund. The building was
commenced and Saturday 1t was pro-
nounced complete and furnished. The
structure is located on Sheridan avenue
near Sixty-fourth street, and cost nearly
$1,000. 1t is complete in nearly every
particular. Built of wood with brick
foundation and but one story in height,
it has seating capacity of two hundred.
1t is lighted on three sides by plate and
stained glass. The interior is finished
In black walnut and a handsome carpet
covers the fl Dor, the gift of st. PauPs
church.
On Sunday the little chapel was dedi-
Gated in the presence of large audience.
The exercises were held at o'clock and
were opened by singing the anthem,
BLESSED be the Lord God," by the
church choir. The invocation. by Rev.
G. =. Nickerson, followed. Portions of
the Scripture we're read by Rev. Mary A.
Straub, of Woodlawn Park. The sermon
was delivered by Rev. DR.. Ryder, from
the words in Ruth, "Thy people shall be
my people and thy God my God" Dur
ing its delivery the speaker warmly con-
graduated the people of Woodlawn Park
upon having secured new church.
After the sermon, under the inspiration
of an appeal by Rev. j. Coleman Adams
$500 was raised to pay off the indebted
ness on the building. The Ladies' Socie-
ty pledged 500 and Mr.. s. W. Straub
$50. Diners of the friends at Woodlawn
followed with subscriptions ranging from
$100 to $25. There we're many members
of st. Paul's present in the congregation
and they responded generously. Our
two other city churches also gave liber'
| ally. In about an hour the work was
done and we'll done Every one felt hap.
py at the result.
The dedicatory services proper followed
consisting of prayer by Br. Adams and
the sentence of dedication pronounced
by DR.. Cantwell. A dedicatory hymn
written by Maria Straub, was also sung
during the services. The benediction
was pronounced by Rev. Florence E.
| Kollock, who has had charge of the even
ing services at Woodlawn since Sept. l.
The pastors of the Presbyterian and
| Methodist churches were present on the
occasion, and each read hymn. Sever
al friends from the Q congregations we're
in the audience, and contributed to the
collection. Acknowledgements are due
20 Prof. s. w. Sttaub and family, espec-
tally prominent in his successful move
ment, and generous givers, for the sue
cess of the Woodlswn mission, and to
the other good friends who have done 80
well In the enterprise.